Surf, ski and snowboard

Each application is assessed individually. During the admissions process, we consider the applicant’s motivation for both the academic and social aspects of life at the school. It is therefore important to tell us a little about yourself and explain why you would like to attend Lofoten Folkehøgskole.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old by the start of the school year. In exceptional cases, admission may be granted through an individual assessment if the applicant turns 18 by 31 December during the relevant school year.

Previous grades are not taken into account when evaluating applications.

Teaching at Lofoten Folkehøgskole is primarily conducted in Norwegian. As a result, applicants are expected to have a basic command of Norwegian before the start of the school year. This is particularly important for international students, as both teaching and much of daily life at the school take place in Norwegian. International applicants should therefore describe their language background, qualifications, motivation, and/or plans for learning Norwegian in their application. A basic ability to communicate in Norwegian is important in order to participate actively in classes, social activities, and the school community.

The school may enroll a maximum of 10% of students from countries outside the EEA and the United Kingdom.

Our aim is to ensure that the folkehøgskole experience is rewarding for both the individual student and the school community. If the admissions office believes that an applicant may not fully understand the programme they have applied for and could therefore have an unsatisfactory experience, we will seek to guide the applicant towards a more suitable programme. In exceptional cases, an application may be declined, with a recommendation to apply to a school better suited to the applicant’s interests and expectations.

Relevant experience may be taken into consideration for certain programmes and will be specified in the programme description where applicable. For example, some of our technical ski programmes may require previous skiing experience. If the number of applicants exceeds the available places, those with relevant experience and skills may be given priority.

For more information about the school’s admission requirements, including the Scholarship Student Programme (Stipendiatlinja), please visit the Admissions Requirements section at:

https://www.lofotenfolkehogskole.no/info/#faq

The school offers admission on a rolling basis according to a first-come, first-served principle, provided that applicants meet the qualification requirements outlined above. If the number of qualified applicants exceeds the available places at the school or within a specific programme, the following criteria will apply:

• The school strives to maintain diversity and a balanced gender distribution within the student body. In cases where one gender is significantly overrepresented, applicants from the underrepresented gender may be given priority.

• If a programme reaches capacity, the school will seek to offer applicants a place on another programme with available spaces.

• Applicants who do not wish to be considered for another programme may choose to be placed on a waiting list. Places that become available due to withdrawals or cancellations are offered according to the same first-come, first-served principle.

Admissions to Lofoten Folk High School begin on 15 November prior to the start of each new academic year. Applications are submitted through the application system at Folkehogskole.no and are reviewed on a rolling basis as they are received. If places remain available, the school continues to admit students up until the start of the school year.

The admissions process is managed by the school’s administrative office in accordance with the current admissions criteria. In cases where there is uncertainty regarding an application, the Principal, Vice Principal, and relevant teachers may be consulted as part of the admissions review. If an application is incomplete, the applicant will be contacted and asked to provide additional information to ensure a thorough and fair assessment of their application.

The admissions regulations were approved by the school’s Board of Governors on 29 April 2026.

Experience a year of adventure in the heart of Lofoten. Our goal is to foster community, personal growth, and a deep connection to nature through traditional outdoor living. From the dark Arctic winter to the bright nights of summer, you will take part in activities such as mountain biking, telemark skiing, summit hikes, climbing, hunting, and fishing. You will also gain valuable skills in wilderness first aid, navigation, guiding, equipment making, and outdoor safety, while exploring the close relationship between nature, culture, and life in the North.

Main Study Programmes

Outdoor Life

• Mountaineering
• Telemark Skiing & Climbing
• Outdoor Life in Lofoten

Photography

• Nature Photography
• Professional Photography